Filming begins on the 11th series of Shetland for BBC One

And Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell will be joined by some great guest stars!

Following the announcement late last year that Shetland would return for its 11th series, the BBC has confirmed that filming has now begun on the latest series of BBC One's hit murder mystery drama.

The new six-part series film in locations around Scotland and on the Shetland Isles over the coming months, with Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell both back as DI Ruth Calder and DI Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh.

They'll join returning series regulars Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, Lewis Howden as Billy McCabe, Samuel Anderson as Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake, Steven Miller as Rev Alan Calder, Anne Kidd as pathologist Cora McLean, Angus Miller as Tosh's partner Donnie, Conor McCarry as PC Alex Grant and Eubha Akilade as PC Lorna Burns.

Joining the cast of Shetland alongside Jensen and O’Donnell will be Christine Bottomley, Kevin Harvey, Stella Gonet, Gregor Fisher, and Gavin Mitchell.

Originally based on award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, the new series centres around an historic murder which will forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day.

When a car is pulled from the water, a grim discovery is made - crammed in the boot are the decomposed, skeletal remains of an unknown male. The team’s search to uncover the victim’s identity, begins with a hunt for the vehicle’s owner, a respected, local GP who left the Isles under a cloud of troubled rumours nine years ago.

As Calder and Tosh dig deeper into the enigmatic GP's state-of-mind and the lives of the loved ones he left behind, the investigation takes them to dark and dangerous places in their quest for the truth.

Other guest cast include John Wark, Jude Bain, Robin Weaver, John McLarnon, Beth Marshall, Daniel Boyd, Charlene Boyd and Helen Mackay.

Speaking ahead of the new series the BBC's Commissioning Editor, Gaynor Holmes, said "This new series of Shetland is brimming with twists, turns, and the kind of emotional punch that keeps viewers hooked. Paul Logue has once again spun a gripping, atmospheric story, with the wild beauty of the Shetland Isles at its heart."

"Alison and Ashley lead our stellar core cast who are joined by a brilliant line‑up of guest stars and supported by a crew whose craft and passion shine through in every frame—together showcasing Scotland on screen at its very best."

To which Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer for Silverprint Pictures, added "We're so excited about this new series of Shetland with Ashley and Alison, alongside our wonderful returning cast and a fantastic guest cast."

"Paul Logue has created a distinctive and emotionally complex story, set against the stunning and evocative landscape of the Shetland Isles.  We're thrilled to be making this new series with such incredible Scottish talent in all areas of production."

Made by Silverprint Pictures, part of ITV Studios, the new series will be produced by Angus Sharpe, directed by Ruth Carney and Jonny Blair, and executive produced by Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, Kate Bartlett, Paul Logue and Denise Paul for Silverprint Pictures, with Paul Logue ias lead writer, alongside Anita Vettesse and Ross Dunsmore.

Shetland returns later this year on BBC One